I’ve been doing some inner work lately. My friend Clare Josa has written a brilliant book: Dare to Dream Bigger: The ‘Inside Work’ Handbook for Entrepreneurs and Passionate World-Changers, and following Clare’s easy step-by-step guide I’ve been working my way through the book.
I discovered some limiting beliefs, released them and let them go. It was a profound experience to go through as it challenged me and then felt so liberating.
I found it easy to shy away from difficult and uncomfortable thoughts as if my mind pretended there was a diversion sign on the road and took a detour. Just when I was thinking of things that might be holding me back, my mind suddenly said “oh look at those pretty flowers” or “I really want some cake now”.
The detour is a coping mechanism we all have, and the limiting beliefs are blockages most of us experience at some point.
Those of you who read my column know it’s not the first time I’ve been dealing with either of these. Inner work, self-improvement or spiritual growth – whatever you want to call it – is something I’m working on all the time.
To me it’s a way of life, it’s self care and a way of living mindfully. I’m constantly discovering something new and different about myself, continuing to see things from different perspectives.
So as I worked with the Dare to Dream Bigger-book I was able to release something that no longer served me. It had been holding me back for a long time, and so it was with the deepest gratitude that I was able to release and let it go.
Then came my period.
I’m fortunate in that I can adjust my routine to suit my needs, slowing down when my body tells me to. Right now I’m sitting in my comfy chair with my heat pack in my back, having a quiet day.
This means I have the time to really listen to what’s going on in my body. I can feel the limiting belief exciting my body, leaving room for courage and strength. I can feel an old coping mechanism draining away, giving space for hope and joy. I am so very grateful.
My moon blood is always a guide for me, I measure my time by it and my health by it. Over the years I have learned to love myself, to be good to myself and to nurture my body and my soul. I have learned to plan and evaluate in an empowering manner, to work with my cycle and the seasons.
My moon blood is my connection to the women around me, the women who have come before me, and the women who are yet to be. And this time, as I slow down and sleep in, sit still and feel the difference in my body, I’ve been cleansed, liberated from a thought that had been holding me down. I’ve been set free.
I sigh in gratitude as I pick up my book to carry on reading.
Check out Dare to Dream Bigger: The ‘Inside Work’ Handbook for Entrepreneurs and Passionate World-Changers. It has an extremely helpful online forum where Clare offers lots of extra resources and tools. This is easily my favorite book in 2017!
Vild Prestegard, Blogger, Community Leader
Vild is from Norway. She is a Dru yoga teacher, social anthropologist, Reiki Master and holistic therapist specialising in health, chronic illness, recovery and healing processes. Vild shares her personal experiences, learning and insights in our Red Tent Column. She is also the author of Moon Journal 2017. Vild’s website: www.allmenningen.org.
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